The Taunton State Hospital (State Lunatic Hospital) conjures up the image of horror movies with sane people being kept at mental asylums in a form of extrajudicial prison. It is a psychiatric hospital located on Hodges Avenue in Taunton, Massachusetts, and not to be confused with the main campus of the modern hospital of the same name although some of the old facilities continue to be used.
It is one of those mental asylums that just sends chills down one's spine. Unfortunately, most of it is now demolished but some of it remains and stands as a testimony of what once was. It's a story that bears witness to the many mental asylums that once dotted the country.
History of The Taunton State Hospital
The history of the asylum dates back to 1851 when moves were made to find a new site for a psychiatric hospital as the state's only other facility in Worcester was under pressure with the rising patient population.
According to the National Park Service, the study into the conditions of Worcester was a result of an eloquent and moving Memorial delivered to the State Legislature by Dorothea Dix in 1843. The NPS notes:
"That Memorial documented the abysmal conditions that most localities provided for their citizens with disabilities."
The Taunton State Hospital was first established in 1854 and was originally known as the State Lunatic Hospital at Taunton. It was originally built in a rare and rather unique neo-classical style designed by the architects Boyden & Ball.
It was one of the more beautiful works of hospital art in the country. Kirkbridge Buildings notes:
"...its most striking features are the enclosed, raised walkways connecting the main structure to the two infirmary buildings which were added in the eighteen-nineties. But its cupolas and cast-iron capitals and window bars also add to this building's unique personality."
- Initial Capacity: It Was Designed To Accommodate 250 Patients
At least the campus enjoyed fresh air and sunlight and was built on a principle of treating the mental health of its patients. Hospitals of this psychiatric type are said to have been self-contained cities. The original design was able to accommodate 250 patients.
- Built: In 1854
- Original Name: State Lunatic Hospital at Taunton
It was the second state asylum in Massachusetts built at a time when understanding of mental health was much different than today.
- Additions: Over its Life Sick Wars, Crisis Centers, Juvenile Facilities, and Group Homes Were added
Over its lifetime it was expanded at different times and grew to include over 40 buildings and structures. The main part of the hospital closed in 1975 and the buildings began to fall into disrepair.
Decay, Collapse, Fire, and Demolition
In 1994 the complex was added to the National Register of Historic Places as a historic district. But this move didn't translate into reversing the decay of the abandoned buildings and in 1999 the main dome of the admin building collapsed. This was the main building and one of the most beautiful parts as to why it was added to the list of historic places in the first place.
- Listed: It Was Added to The National Register Of Historic Places In 1994
- Main Building: "The Kirkbride Building" Dome Collapsed in 1999
More destruction would come in 2006 when parts of the former asylum were destroyed by fire. In 2009 some of the most damaged buildings were demolished. But still many of the newer buildings of the abandoned complex remain on the campus.
- Closed: The Main Part Closed In 1975
- Fire: Gutted Parts of The Complex (Including The Administration and Theater)
The Old Taunton State Hospital Today
Today one is only greeted with the decaying wings of the Kirkbride Building. Some of the newer buildings are said to continue operating as the Taunton State Hospital (unfortunately, these grounds are not open to the public).
- Location: W. bank of the Mill R. at Danforth St, Taunton, Massachusetts
- Closed: The Remaining Parks of The Old Complex Are Closed To The Public
As parts of it were demolished numerous architectural features were salvaged and sold across the nation (including iron gates, vintage plumbing, lighting fixtures, furniture, and granite).
Despite the demolition of much of the complex it remains on the National Register of Historic Places today and can be found on the National Park Service's website. But perhaps one day one will be able to see the remains of this impressive complex, including the abandoned tunnels connecting the various buildings in the complex.
If one would like to experience an asylum first hand one can go for a four-hour tour of Aradale Asylum and see first hand what they are like. See if it is possible to last the full four hours there!